Scottish hospitality sector could get £1bn boost in week after reopening

Scotland’s embattled hospitality industry could be set for a £1 billion boost when restaurants, pubs and hotels eventually reopen.

The coronavirus lockdown has hammered every part of the hospitality and tourism sector, including the normally buzzing Grassmarket area of Edinburgh. Picture: Scott Louden

The figure has been flagged in new research from Caterer.com, which suggests that the UK public’s wish to get back to the pub, dine out or have a trip away with the family could inject almost £4bn into the wider UK economy within a week of lockdown measures easing.

The study indicates that the majority of Brits (63 per cent) are keen to support local hospitality businesses as soon as possible, providing the right safety measures are in place.

The survey of more than 2,000 people reveals that among the top things people have been missing during lockdown are seeing friends and family (33 per cent), socialising in restaurants, pubs and bars (25 per cent), going for a pint (10 per cent) and barista-made coffee (7 per cent).

Among the Scotland-specific findings, more than a quarter (27 per cent) of people are planning to go to the pub within a week of being allowed to do so. Some 56 per cent of Scots are keen to support local hospitality businesses as soon as possible, providing the right safety measures are in place.

The research also suggests that 32 per cent of Scots are prepared to pay a premium in venues with enhanced physical distancing practices, while 43 per cent would rather restaurants, pubs and bars only allowed groups of up to four people.

Neil Pattison, director at Caterer.com, said: “While this has been an incredibly painful time for the sector, it’s encouraging to see the public have a huge appreciation for what the hospitality sector provides to communities. There is strong appetite to support these businesses and workers in getting back on their feet.

“While measures like having more hand sanitiser available and training staff to introduce new cleaning regimes may be more simply implemented, social distancing measures will mean far fewer customers can be served at one time.

“As a result, there is deep concern about how hospitality businesses will survive economically in the short and long term. The sector is grateful for the government’s support to date, however there is still much more work to be done and it’s vital that this continues.”

Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, added: “Consumer confidence is going to be key once businesses begin to reopen. It is going to be a long, hard road back to normality and venues are going to need the support of their communities.

“It is encouraging to see that so many people are eager to support hospitality in their communities as soon as possible. It highlights what a fantastic social asset these businesses are and the great work our sector does all around the country.”